Efteling

{{Infobox amusement park

| name = Efteling

| image = Efteling The House of the Five Senses.jpg

| image_size = 250px

| caption = The House of the Five Senses, the entrance to the Efteling theme park

| location = Kaatsheuvel

| location3 = Netherlands

| opening_date = May 11, 1951 (Naturepark)
May 31, 1952 (Fairytale Forest)

| theme = Fantasy - ancient legends, mythology, fables, folklore and fairy tales

| season = Year-round

| rides = 62 (including Fairytale Forest)[https://www.efteling.com/en/park/attractions Overview of attractions], De Efteling

| coasters = 8 (including both Joris en de Draak and Max & Moritz)

| water_rides = 1

| other_rides = 4

| visitors = 5.56 millions in 2023{{citation |author=TEA|url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2023.pdf|title=2023 Theme Index & Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report|website=Aecom/TEA |access-date=February 10, 2025}}

| area = {{convert|72|ha|m2|abbr=on}} (park); {{convert|276|ha|m2|abbr=on}} (resort); {{convert|400|ha|m2|abbr=on}} (total)

| owner = Efteling Nature Park Foundation

| homepage = [http://www.efteling.com www.efteling.com]

| coordinates = {{Coord|51|39|01|N|5|02|53|E|region:NL_type:landmark|display=it}}

}}

Efteling ({{IPA|nl|ˈɛftəlɪŋ}}) is a fantasy-themed amusement park in Kaatsheuvel, the Netherlands. The attractions reflect elements from ancient European myths and legends, fairy tales, fables, and folklore.

The park was opened on May 31, 1952. It evolved from a nature park with a playground and a Fairytale Forest into a full-sized theme park. It now caters to both children and adults with its cultural, romantic, and nostalgic themes, in addition to its wide array of amusement rides including six roller coasters and four dark rides.

It is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest theme parks in the world. It is twice as large as the original Disneyland park in the United States and predates it by three years. Annually, the park has more than 5 million visitors. In 2020, due to differences in pandemic policy, it was the most visited theme park in Europe, ahead of Disneyland Park. In 2019 and 2022, it was the third most visited theme park in Europe, after Disneyland Park, Paris and Europa-Park, Germany.

History

File:Geeuwende gijs.jpg

Efteling is one of the oldest theme parks still in existence. Its roots go when the R. K. Sport en Wandelpark was inaugurated.{{cite web|title=The history of Efteling| publisher=efteling.com|url=https://www.efteling.com/en/about-efteling/history|access-date=15 January 2020}}{{cite web|language=fr|title=Information de presse 2011| publisher=efteling.com|date=2 May 2012|url=http://www.efteling.fr/media/Pdf/DEF-Persmap-Frans-april-2011-b.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502205131/http://www.efteling.fr/media/Pdf/DEF-Persmap-Frans-april-2011-b.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 May 2012|access-date=15 January 2020}}

In 1950, Efteling Nature Park Foundation (Stichting Natuurpark de Efteling) was founded by the mayor of Loon op Zand, R.J. van der Heijden, filmmaker Peter Reijnders, and designer artist Anton Pieck (1895-1987). The foundation was named after a 16th-century farm named Ersteling.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}} Efteling officially opened on May 31, 1952,{{cite web|title=About the Efteling|publisher=Efteling|date=July 12, 2010|url=http://www.efteling.com/EN/EN-Home/EN-Home-Over-de-Efteling.html|access-date=July 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719055633/http://www.efteling.com/EN/EN-Home/EN-Home-Over-de-Efteling.html|archive-date=July 19, 2011|url-status=dead}} when the Fairy Tale Forest (het Sprookjesbos), designed by the famous Dutch illustrator Anton Pieck, was opened to the public. Initially, the Fairy Tale Forest was home to some 10 different fairy tales, all of them brought to life using original drawings by Pieck alongside mechanics, lighting and sound effects designed by the Dutch filmmaker Peter Reijnders. The life-sized dioramas, displayed together in an atmospheric forest, were a tremendous success. Efteling welcomed 240,000 visitors in 1952 alone.{{cite web|title=Kaatsheuvel 1952|publisher=VPRO|date=2010-07-12|url=http://geschiedenis.vpro.nl/plaats/37792180/|access-date=2010-07-12|language=nl}}

Since 1978, the park has been expanded and grown to become one of the most popular theme parks in the world. In the same year, English singer Kate Bush performed in the park in De Efteling Special, which was broadcast on 11 May 1978. In early 1978, the amusement park's Haunted Castle was completed and the opening was scheduled on 10 May that year. Bush, who just had a big hit in the Netherlands with "Wuthering Heights", made her debut on Dutch television in the special. Her popularity was used to draw the attention to the Haunted Castle.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dutchnews.nl/features/2017/05/10-things-you-dont-yet-know-about-the-efteling-theme-park/|title=10 things you didn't know about the Efteling theme park - DutchNews.nl|work=DutchNews.nl|access-date=26 February 2018|language=en-GB}}

In 2010, Efteling announced plans to remain open year-round. From November through about February, the 'Winter Efteling' theme remains in place. However, attractions that involve water, such as the rapids ride 'Piraña' or the water coaster 'Vliegende Hollander' (Flying Dutchman), are closed.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Gisela Williams, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, wrote a review of the park in early 2014.{{cite web|title=Efteling, a European Alternative to Disney | publisher=The Wall Street Journal |date=2014-10-01 | url=https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304632204579339311984384386}} Williams praised Efteling but criticized the teacups-style ride Monsieur Cannibale due to ethnic stereotypes.{{Cite web |url=http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/2233/Amerikanen-begrijpen-Monsieur-Cannibale-niet-Walgelijke-discriminatie.html |title=Amerikanen begrijpen Monsieur Cannibale niet: 'Walgelijke discriminatie' |date=2014-02-02 |website=Looopings.nl |language=nl |trans-title=Americans angry at Monsieur Cannibale: "Disgusting discrimination" |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610163925/https://www.looopings.nl/weblog/2233/Amerikanen-boos-om-Monsieur-Cannibale-Walgelijke-discriminatie.html |archive-date=10 June 2017}} Her review was later mentioned in De Telegraaf, a daily newspaper in the Netherlands, and drew several angry comments from its readership. Williams also received her first death threat for her comments about the controversial attraction.{{cite web|title=American journalist gets death threat for Efteling racism comment| publisher=Dutch News |date=2014-07-02 | url=http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2014/02/dutch_newspapers_and_commentat.php}} In recent years, activists have repeatedly requested the Efteling to remove or re-theme the attraction. In June 2021, the park closed the ride for an extensive renovation including a re-theme.{{Cite web|date=June 24, 2021|title=Monsieur Cannibale verdwijnt uit Efteling: 'Iedereen moet zich welkom voelen'|url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/editienl/artikel/5238129/monsieur-cannibale-verdwijnt-uit-de-efteling|url-status=live|access-date=October 23, 2021|website=|publisher=RTL Nieuws|language=nl|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624090228/https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/editienl/artikel/5238129/monsieur-cannibale-verdwijnt-uit-de-efteling |archive-date=2021-06-24 }}

The park received its 123,456,789th guest on June 19, 2015.{{cite web|title=Efteling receives 123,456,789th visitor| publisher=efteling.com|date=19 June 2015| url=https://www.efteling.com/en/press/efteling-receives-123456789th-visitor/|access-date=15 January 2020}} The Efteling opened the trackless darkride Symbolica in 2017. With a price tag of 35 million euros, it is the most expensive investment in Efteling history.{{cite web|title=Review: Symbolica at Efteling| publisher=leparcorama.com|date=24 January 2018| url=http://www.leparcorama.com/2018/01/24/review-symbolica-at-efteling/|access-date=15 January 2020}} Beside the theme park, the Efteling operates two hotels, a theatre, and two holiday villages.{{Cite web |title=Discover all accommodation locations at Efteling |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/overnight-stays/locations |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Efteling |language=en}} The Efteling inaugurated its 30th fairytale in 2019.{{cite web|title=Efteling theme park opens new fairytale-themed attraction and it's magical| publisher=Daily Mirror|date=9 October 2019|author=Julie Delahaye|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/europe/efteling-theme-park-opens-new-20543926|access-date=15 January 2020}}

In December 2020, the park was forced to close in compliance with the new COVID-19 restrictions introduced by prime minister Mark Rutte and the third Rutte cabinet.{{Cite web |title=Efteling niet meer open in 2020 |url=https://www.efteling.com/nl/blog/nieuws/20201214-derde-tijdelijke-sluiting |access-date=2022-04-27 |website=www.efteling.com |language=nl}}

Design

File:Efteling 21-7-2007 005.jpg

File:Baronaanzicht.JPG - a dive coaster in Efteling]]

The success of Efteling has been attributed largely to its ride designs, architecture and atmosphere. When Anton Pieck was asked to design the initial fairy tales for the Efteling, he made sure the park would live up to his personal high standards. There would be no use of cheap building materials, plastic, or concrete. Pieck's illustration style, somewhat grim and dark, but also romantic and nostalgic, was the thematic base on which nearly all future expansions were built.{{cite web|title=My love letter to Efteling| publisher=leparcorama.com|date=14 October 2011| url=http://www.leparcorama.com/2011/10/14/my-love-letter-to-efteling/|access-date=15 January 2020}}

Pieck worked for Efteling until the mid-1970s, when his position as chief designer was passed on to the younger Ton van de Ven. Van de Ven had already been working for Efteling for several years and Pieck was very pleased with his work. The Haunted Castle (het Spookslot), which opened in 1978 as the park's first new large attraction, was Efteling's first to be designed entirely by Van de Ven.

Van de Ven continued his work until 2002, when he retired. A new team of imagineers works on new Efteling attractions, still in a style suitable to the Efteling.

Divisions

The Efteling Theme Park Resort now comprises several divisions: the theme park (1952), the four-star Efteling Hotel (1992), the 18-hole golf course (1995), Efteling Theatre (2002), accommodation parks: Efteling Bosrijk (2009) & Het Loonsche Land (2017). The theatre, which was once used for park shows, is one of the five biggest theatres in the Netherlands and can house big theatre productions, which will not be included in park admissions.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Besides using it as a home base for shows/musicals created by the Efteling itself (like "Droomvlucht") it also lends itself out for other big productions, events, and business events. The hotel was operated by Golden Tulip for several years, but Efteling decided in 2004 to manage it independently. All divisions are now profitable, although it took the golf course several years to break even.{{cite web|title=Meer winst door grotere drukte in De Efteling|publisher=NU Zakelijk|date=2010-07-12|url=http://www.nuzakelijk.nl/algemeen/2239599/meer-winst-grotere-drukte-in-efteling.html|access-date=2010-07-12|language=nl}} The divisions are each contained in commercial corporations, but all shares are still held by the nonprofit Efteling Nature Park Foundation (Stichting Natuurpark de Efteling).{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

The park

File:Efteling bootjes pagoda.JPG

File:Symbolica_(Efteling)_20170521.jpg

The theme park covers {{convert|72|ha}}. This area has changed only marginally over the course of its history. The Efteling Theme Park Resort also offers the Efteling hotel, the Efteling hotel Loonsche Land, a theatre, a golf course, Villa Pardoes, and two holiday villages (Efteling Bosrijk and Efteling Loonsche Land) on {{convert|276.1|ha}}.{{cite web|url=https://www.mt.nl/business/28-getallen-over-de-efteling-die-u-nog-niet-wist/88159|language=nl|title=28 getallen over De Efteling die u nog niet wist|date=3 July 2015|website=MT.nl|author=Peter Boerman|access-date=15 January 2020}} The park's foundation owns a total of {{convert|400|ha}} also including young forest, nature reserve, some grassland, fields and roads.{{cite web |url=http://archives.lesoir.be/tourisme-5-7-une-journee-de-detente-ou-de_t-20030819-Z0NF5U.html?queryand=efteling+400+hectares&firstHit=0&by=10&when=-1&sort=datedesc&pos=0&all=1&nav=1 |language=fr |title=Tourisme (5/7) - Une journée de détente ou de découverte de l'autre côté de la frontière S'amuser au royaume d'Efteling REPÈRES |date=19 August 2003 |website=Le Soir |author=Daniel Conraads |access-date=15 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303181026/http://archives.lesoir.be/tourisme-5-7-une-journee-de-detente-ou-de_t-20030819-Z0NF5U.html?queryand=efteling+400+hectares&firstHit=0&by=10&when=-1&sort=datedesc&pos=0&all=1&nav=1 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}

The park is divided into five themed areas or 'realms'. Originally, the park was divided into four areas called North, West, East, and South, with most of the park's historical rides and attractions, such as the Fairy Tale Forest, located in West. When the park reorganized its infrastructure in the late 1990s, adding the Pardoes Promenade (named after Efteling's mascot Pardoes, a court jester) and a central hub called Efteling Brink, it also changed the areas' names. North was changed to Reizenrijk (Travel Realm), West became Marerijk (Fairy Realm), East became Ruigrijk (Adventure Realm), and South became Anderrijk (Other Realm). In 2017 a fifth realm opened in the center of the park called Fantasierijk (Fantasy Realm).{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Although the park was not built with these divisions in mind and the names may seem cryptic, they do make sense. Perhaps the area most suited to its name is Ruigrijk, where most fast rides such as the double-loop roller coaster Python (constructed in 1981) are located. Marerijk is the home to the Fairy Tale Forest and the Fairies of the Droomvlucht, Anderrijk has some rides that are inspired by non-Western cultures (e.g. Fata Morgana and Piraña), while Reizenrijk has the Carnaval Festival ride, which travels through several different 'countries'. The Fantasierijk got its name from the darkride Symbolica: Palace of Fantasy.{{Cite web |title=Fantasierijk - Eftepedia - alles over de Efteling |url=https://www.eftepedia.nl/lemma/Fantasierijk |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=www.eftepedia.nl}}

Efteling was largely built in an existing pine forest located in a rural area, giving it a 'nature park' feeling. Together with its large ponds and gardens, its abundant green space is rather unusual among the world's leading theme parks.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Efteling Grand Hotel

The Efteling Grand Hotel is an upcoming hotel located in the Efteling theme park in the Netherlands. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2025,{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}} it will be the largest hotel within the park and will provide direct access to its attractions.

The hotel will feature 140 rooms and suites,{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}} each designed with a unique color theme and incorporating subtle references to Efteling’s fairytale aesthetic. It will consist of seven floors and include various amenities such as restaurants, a boutique, and wellness facilities.

Each room is designed in a single-color theme with decorative elements inspired by Efteling. A total of 644 beds will be available,{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}} with an emphasis on comfort through high-quality pillows and duvets.

The hotel will include a spacious lobby, shopping facilities, and dining options.

The hotel will offer multiple dining options, including Brasserie 7,{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}} a casual dining venue featuring a variety of dishes, with a conservatory overlooking the Aquanura water show. For a more refined experience, Restaurant & Bar Mystique will provide an extended dining experience with a selection of cocktails and bar snacks.

In addition to dining, guests will have access to wellness and recreational facilities. The Pool & Spa area will feature a swimming pool designed around a spring theme, as well as a wellness area with a sauna, steam bath, and massage services.{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}}

The Efteling Grand Hotel is expected to open in the summer of 2025.{{Cite web |title=Efteling Grand Hotel |url=https://www.efteling.com/en/grand-hotel |access-date=2025-02-10 |website=www.efteling.com}} It is centrally located within Efteling, allowing guests easy access to the theme park’s attractions.

Attractions and rides

File:Langenek Efteling1.JPG, A well-known icon of Efteling theme park]]

File:Eft FataMorgana 04.jpg

File:PANOrama decor Raveleijn Efteling 20120915 155711.jpg]]

File:View of De Vliegende Hollander from across the pond, Efteling, 2017.jpg]]

1952 – Fairytale Forest (Dutch: Sprookjesbos; Anton Pieck, Peter Reijnders, Ton van de Ven, Henny Knoet, Michel den Dulk, Karel Willemen and Pim-Martijn Sanders)
1954 – Children's Railway (Dutch: Kinderspoor), (pedal trains, Anton Pieck and Peter Reijnders)
1954 – Anton Pieck Square (Dutch: Anton Pieckplein), (square with nostalgic rides, Anton Pieck and Michel den Dulk)
1956 – Stoomcarrousel (carousel, bought from L. Janvier)
1969 – Stoomtrein (a {{RailGauge|600mm|lk=on}} narrow-gauge heritage railway)
1971 – Diorama (Model railway/ Diorama, Anton Pieck)
1981 – Python (double loop corkscrew roller coaster, Vekoma) (original demolished in 2018, replaced by a replica 3 months later)
1981 – Gondoletta (tow boat ride, Ton van de Ven)
1982 – Half Moon (Dutch: Halve Maen) (ship swing, Ton van de Ven)
1983 – Piraña (river rafting ride, Ton van de Ven)
1984 – Carnival Festival (dark ride, Geesink)
1984 – Tin Lizzies (Dutch: De Oude Tuffer) (car ride, Ton van de Ven)
1986 – Fata Morgana (dark, tow boat ride,[http://data.sphosting.ch/Intamin/Media/Tow%20Boat%20Ride/Tow%20boat%20Ride.pdf Tow Boat Ride The flexible family ride] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714200417/http://data.sphosting.ch/Intamin/Media/Tow%20Boat%20Ride/Tow%20Boat%20Ride.pdf |date=2014-07-14 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.trips-n-pics.com/parcs/efteling/pics/|title=Galerie photos Efteling|website=Trips-n-Pics.com|access-date=19 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603110029/http://www.trips-n-pics.com/parcs/efteling/pics/|archive-date=3 June 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} Ton van de Ven)
1987 – Pagode (observation tower, Ton van de Ven)
1990 – The People of Laaf (Dutch: Volk van Laaf) (Ton van de Ven)
1993 – Dreamflight (Dutch: Droomvlucht) (dark ride, Ton van de Ven)
1996 – The House of the Five Senses (Dutch: Het huis van de 5 zintuigen) (park entrance, Ton van de Ven)
1996 – Villa Volta (madhouse, Vekoma)
1998 – Bird Rok (Dutch: Vogel Rok) (enclosed roller coaster, Ton van de Ven)
2007 – The Flying Dutchman (Dutch: De Vliegende Hollander) (water coaster / dark ride, Karel Willemen)
2010 – George and the Dragon (Dutch: Joris en de Draak) (wooden racing coaster, Karel Willemen)
2011 – Ravelin (Dutch: Raveleijn) (theatre, Sander de Bruijn)
2012 – Aquanura (Musical Fountain, WET)
2015 – Baron 1898 (dive coaster{{cite web|url=http://www.leparcorama.com/2015/09/07/baron-1898-efteling-review-dive-coaster/|title=Review: Baron 1898 at Efteling|date=7 September 2015|website=leparcorama.com|access-date=15 January 2020}}{{cite web|url=http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/2952/Naam-van-dive-coaster-Efteling-eindelijk-bekend-Baron-1898.html|title=Naam van dive coaster Efteling eindelijk bekend: Baron 1898|date=15 October 2014|website=Looopings.nl|access-date=19 December 2017}} Bolliger & Mabillard, Sander de Bruijn)
2017 – Symbolica (dark ride, ETF Ride Systems/Sander de Bruijn and others){{cite web |url=https://www.eftelist.nl/a_symbolica.html |title=Eftelist |website=www.Eftelist.nl |access-date=19 December 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/4904/Meer-details-over-nieuwe-attractie-Symbolica-in-de-Efteling.html |title=Looopings |website=Looopings.nl |access-date=19 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818073505/http://www.looopings.nl/weblog/4904/Meer-details-over-nieuwe-attractie-Symbolica-in-de-Efteling.html |archive-date=18 August 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all}}
2019 – Fabula replaces the former PandaVision (€3.5 million renovation by Efteling and Aardman Animations){{cite web|url =https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201905/6774/|title=Aardman's first original 4D movie is coming to Efteling|date=13 May 2019|author=Robert Niles|website=themeparkinsider.com|access-date=15 January 2020}}{{cite web|url =https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201912/7153/|title=Efteling opens its new 4D movie from Aardman|date=10 December 2019|author=Robert Niles|website=themeparkinsider.com|access-date=15 January 2020}}
2020 – Max & Moritz (double roller coaster, Mack Rides), Robbert Jaap Janssen
2022 – Sirocco replaces the former Monsieur Canibale, Jeroen Verheij
2024 – Danse Macabre, Jeroen Verheij

Former attractions:

1953 – 2011 Rowing Pond (Dutch: Roeivijver), replaced by Aquanura
1953 – 1988 Swimming Pool (Dutch: Zwembad)
1966 – 2010 Water Organ (Dutch: Waterorgel), in use as a TV studio since 2010
1978 – 2022 Haunted Castle (Dutch: Spookslot) (haunted attraction, Ton van de Ven and Anton Pieck), closed 2022, will be replaced by Danse Macabre in 2024.
1984 – 2020 Polka Marina (a combination of a carousel and a minirollercoaster, Ton van de Ven)
1985 – 2019 Bob Track (Dutch: Bobbaan) (bobsled roller coaster, Intamin Ton van de Ven), demolished in 2019, replaced by Max & Moritz
1988 – 2021 Monsieur Cannibale (teacups ride, Henny Knoet) Replaced by Sirocco
1991 – 2009 Pegasus (junior wooden roller coaster, demolished in 2009), replaced by George and the Dragon
2002 – 2019 PandaVision (Dutch: Pandadroom) (a 4-D film cinema, Van Doorn and associates),{{Cite web|url=https://eftelinguk.com/2019/11/03/goodbye-pandadroom/|title = Goodbye Pandadroom!|date = 3 November 2019}} replaced by Fabula

File:Bosrijk dorpsplein.jpgOther ventures operating independently from the amusement park:

1992 – Tower Realm (Dutch: Torenrijk) (theme hotel)
1995 – Efteling Golf course (Dutch: Golfclub Efteling) (golf course)
2002 – Efteling Theatre (theatre, Ton van de Ven)
2008 – Efteling Radio (radio station)[http://www.efteling.com/NL/Radio/Programmering.html Radio Efteling homepage] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719055301/http://www.efteling.com/NL/Radio/Programmering.html |date=2011-07-19 }}
2009 – Forest Realm (Dutch: Bosrijk) (accommodation area, Karel Willemen)
2017 – The Loonsche Land (Dutch: Het Loonsche Land) (accommodation){{cite web|url=http://www.efteling.com/NL/Over-de-Efteling/Pers-en-Publicaties/Persberichten/persberichten-persberichten/Efteling-realiseert-nieuwe-verblijfsrecreatie-in-het-Loonsche-Land.html|title=Newsroom Efteling|website=www.Efteling.com|access-date=19 December 2017}}

Awards

In 1971, the Efteling was the first theme park to receive the Pomme d'Or (Golden Apple), in recognition of superior efforts in promoting and raising Europe's level of tourism. The Pomme d'Or is the highest award in the European tourist industry.{{cite web|url=http://www.fijet.net/?Info=FIJET_Awards|title=The Golden Apple Award|publisher=FIJET|access-date=2009-09-25}}
In 1992, the Efteling was awarded the IAAPA Applause Award for best theme park in the world.
In 1997, Villa Volta, as the first 'new style' madhouse in the world, received the Thea Attraction Award.
In 2005, the Efteling received the Thea Classic Award for the year 2004, a notable token of recognition of quality awarded by other people in the themed entertainment industry.{{cite web| title =Thea Classic Award: Efteling Park Netherlands| publisher =Efteling| date =2018-04-30| url =http://www.themeit.com/thea2004/creftlng.pdf| access-date =2005-02-09| url-status=dead| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20060318212518/http://www.themeit.com/thea2004/creftlng.pdf| archive-date =2006-03-18}} Efteling is the second park to receive a prize for their entire oeuvre, the first being Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark.
In 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Efteling won the award for the best holiday park in the Netherlands according to the booking sites BungalowSpecials.nl, BungalowSpecials.be, FerienparkSpecials.de and HolidayParkSpecials.co.uk. These awards were based solely on ratings from guests who have stayed at the Efteling.{{Cite web|url=http://blog.holidayparkspecials.co.uk/2016/02/16/efteling-village-bosrijk/|title=Awards: Efteling Village Bosrijk|date=2016-02-16|website=HolidayparkSpecials.co.uk|access-date=2017-01-30}}
In 2017, the Efteling was titled 'Best Themepark' in the world by Theme Park Insider, based on overall reader and visitor ratings.{{cite web|url=http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201707/5631/|title=Announcing the Winners of the 16th Annual Theme Park Insider Awards|website=Theme Park Insider|access-date=19 December 2017}}
In 2018, Symbolica received the TEA Award For Outstanding Achievement.{{cite web|url=http://www.teaconnect.org/Thea-Awards/Past-Awards/index.cfm?year=2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831004412/http://www.teaconnect.org/Thea-Awards/Past-Awards/index.cfm?year=2018&redirect=y|title=Past Awards: Thea Awards 2018|publisher=Themed Entertainment Association|archive-date=2019-08-31 }}
In 2018, 'Best Themepark' and 'Best new dark ride' in the world by Theme Park Insider.{{cite web|url =https://www.themeparkinsider.com/awards/|title =Theme Park Insider Awards|website=Theme Park Insider Awards|author =Robert Niles|date=2018|access-date=31 August 2018}}
In 2019, 'Best Themepark' in The Netherlands & Belgium. Diamond Theme Park Awards 2019.{{Cite web|title=Efteling wint 8 Diamond ThemePark Awards|url=https://www.efteling.com/nl/blog/nieuws/20190403-dta|access-date=2021-02-01|website=www.efteling.com|language=nl}}

Economy and governance

{{multiple image

| align = right

| image1 = Herautenplein Efteling.jpg

| width1 = 250

| alt1 =

| caption1 =

| image2 = Efteling Herautenplein.jpg

| width2 = 180

| alt2 =

| caption2 =

| footer = Herald Square (Herautenplein) in the Fairy Tale Forest

}}

File:Danse Macabre (2024).jpg]]

= Structure =

The Efteling is a private company limited by shares. The Efteling Nature Park Foundation (Stichting Natuurpark de Efteling) is the only shareholder. The foundation was founded in 1950 by R.J.Th. van der Heijden, Peter Reijnders, and Anton Pieck. The company is led by two directors. They manage four sections: the theme park, the Efteling Hotel, the Efteling Golf course, and the Efteling Theatre.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

Since April 17, 2014, the company's CEO has been Fons Jurgens.{{Cite web |title=Fons Jurgens nieuwe bestuursvoorzitter van de Efteling |url=https://www.efteling.com/nl/pers/fons-jurgens-nieuwe-bestuursvoorzitter-van-de-efteling/ |access-date=2025-01-27 |website=Fons Jurgens nieuwe bestuursvoorzitter van de Efteling |language=nl}}{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

= Employees =

In the high season, Efteling employs 2,500 workers. In 2000, the number was 1670, of which 400 had a permanent contract (24%), 450 were seasonal employees (27%) and 820 had temp jobs (49%).[http://www.volkskrant.nl/archief_gratis/article852822.ece/Efteling_zoekt_winterwerk_voor_personeel Efteling zoekt winterwerk voor personeel], de Volkskrant, 17 July 2000. Geraadpleegd op 3 September 2009

= Visitors =

File:Schatkist.jpg

ImageSize = width:677 height:336

PlotArea = left:70 right:10 top:10 bottom:20

TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal

AlignBars = justify

Colors =

id:gray1 value:gray(0.9)

DateFormat = yyyy

Period = from:2008 till:2020

ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:1 start:2008

PlotData =

bar:16000000 color:gray1 width:1

from:start till:end

bar:15000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:14000000 color:gray1 width:1

from:start till:end

bar:13000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:12000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:11000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:10000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:9000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:8000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:7000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:6000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:5000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:4000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:3000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:2000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:1000000 color:gray1

from:start till:end

bar:0 color:gray1

x: 70+((year-2007)×50)
y: 20+((305/16.000.000)×Attendance)

LineData =

layer:front

points:(65,82)(70,82) color:blue width:2 #2008: 3.290.000

points:(70,82)(120,96) color:blue width:2 #2009: 4.000.000

points:(120,96)(170,96) color:blue width:2 #2010: 4.000.000

points:(170,96)(220,99) color:blue width:2 #2011: 4.125.000

points:(220,99)(270,101) color:blue width:2 #2012: 4.230.000

points:(270,101)(320,100) color:blue width:2 #2013: 4.150.000

points:(320,100)(370,104) color:blue width:2 #2014: 4.400.000

points:(370,104)(420,109) color:blue width:2 #2015: 4.680.000

points:(420,109)(470,111) color:blue width:2 #2016: 4.760.000

points:(470,111)(520,119) color:blue width:2 #2017: 5.180.000

points:(520,119)(570,123) color:blue width:2 #2018: 5.400.000

points:(570,123)(620,123) color:blue width:2 #2019: 5.400.000

points:(620,123)(670,75) color:blue width:2 #2020: 2.900.000

LineData =

layer:front

points:(65,262)(70,262) color:red width:2 #2008: 12.688.000

points:(70,262)(120,263) color:red width:2 #2009: 12.740.000

points:(120,263)(170,220) color:red width:2 #2010: 10.500.000

points:(170,220)(220,229) color:red width:2 #2011: 10.990.000

points:(220,229)(270,239) color:red width:2 #2012: 11.500.000

points:(270,239)(320,219) color:red width:2 #2013: 10.430.000

points:(320,219)(370,209) color:red width:2 #2014: 9.940.000

points:(370,209)(420,217) color:red width:2 #2015: 9.790.000

points:(420,217)(470,180) color:red width:2 #2016: 8.400.000

points:(470,180)(520,204) color:red width:2 #2017: 9.660.000

points:(520,204)(570,208) color:red width:2 #2018: 9.840.000

points:(570,208)(620,206) color:red width:2 #2019: 9.745.000

points:(620,206)(670,69) color:red width:2 #2020: 2.620.000

:{{color|red}} Disneyland Paris,

#2 amusement park in Europe of annual attendance, in 2020

:{{color|blue}} Efteling,

#1 amusement park in Europe of annual attendance, in 2020

Efteling welcomed 3,240,000 visitors in 2007, making it the most popular theme park in the Netherlands.[https://web.archive.org/web/20090824043430/http://www.holland.com/files/corporate/top20attract2007.pdf Top 20 attracties naar bezoekersaantallen per jaar], Nederlandse Bureau voor Toerisme en Congressen (Holland.com) In 2009, the park's attendance surpassed for the first time since its opening 4,000,000 visitors and in 2017 roughly 5,180,000 visitors went to the park, making it the most popular tourist daytrip destination in all categories.[http://www.nbtc.nl/nl/homepage/artikel/efteling-blijft-meest-bezochte-dagattractie.htm Most popular daytrips], Nederlandse Bureau voor Toerisme en Congressen The objective was to reach 5 million admissions in 2020. It is reached in 2017, three years earlier than expected.{{cite web|title=Theme Index 2017|url=https://www.aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2017-Theme-Museum-Index.pdf|website=aecom.com|access-date=4 February 2019}}{{cite web|title=4.68 million Efteling visitors in 2015|url=https://www.efteling.com/en/press/468-million-efteling-visitors-in-2015/|website=efteling.com|date=10 March 2016|access-date=15 January 2019}}

In its opening year (1952),[http://www.efteling.com/EN/EN-Home/EN-Home-Over-de-Efteling.html About the Efteling] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719055633/http://www.efteling.com/EN/EN-Home/EN-Home-Over-de-Efteling.html |date=2011-07-19 }}, de Efteling the park had 222,941 visitors. In 1954, the millionth visitor since the official opening was welcomed.{{Citation needed|date=July 2023}}

In 1983, the attendance increases by 30%. Efteling is the leading leisure park in Europe with 1.9 million visitors per year.{{cite book|editor=L'Harmattan|editor-link=L'Harmattan|language=fr|title=Disney et la France: les vingt ans d'Euro Disneyland|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FoMrfEV1muUC&q=Disney+et+la+France%3A+les+vingt+ans+d%27Euro+Disneyland|author=Sébastien Roffat|year=2007|pages=107|publisher=Editions L'Harmattan |isbn=978-2296029897|access-date=15 January 2020}} In 1989, Efteling leads European parks in terms of attendance,{{cite web|language=fr|url =http://archives.lesoir.be/les-rendez-vous-soir-de-l-ete-1-le-kangourou-de-walibi_t-19890627-Z01RQJ.html?query=efteling&queryor=efteling&firstHit=20&by=10&when=-1&sort=datedesc&pos=23&all=24&nav=1|title = Les rendez-vous Soir de l'été 1 Le kangourou de Walibi met en poche ses concurrents|website=Le Soir|author = Jean Vandendries|date = 27 June 1989|access-date=26 July 2011}} 2.1 million people go to the park, including 1.6 million from the Netherlands.Press release, « Efteling élu meilleur parc d’attractions au monde », 22 November 1992 In 1991, Efteling is on the top step of the European podium with 2.6 million visitors. On the second step, three parks have 2 million admissions: Europa-Park, Alton Towers and Phantasialand. On the third step, two parks show 1.4 million admissions: Walibi Wavre and Parc Astérix.{{cite web|language=fr|url=http://www.efteling.fr/FR/Homepage-FR/Parc/Parc-Geschiedenis/Parc-Geschiedenis-1986-tot-2000.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928143620/http://www.efteling.fr/FR/Homepage-FR/Parc/Parc-Geschiedenis/Parc-Geschiedenis-1986-tot-2000.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 September 2011|title=1986 à 2000|website=efteling.com|access-date=26 July 2011}}{{cite web|language=nl|url=http://docplayer.nl/docs-images/72/68026659/images/170-0.jpg|title=Grote attractieparken – Slag om dagjestoerist neemt in hevigheid toe|date=2 April 1992|website=Twentsche Courant|author =J. van Kerkvoorde|access-date=9 September 2018}}

Most of the visitors are Dutch; 94% of the Dutch population has visited the park.[http://archief.nrc.nl/index.php/2005/Juni/27/Binnenland/2/Knusheid+van+de+Efteling+kan+alleen+in+Nederland Knusheid van de Efteling kan alleen in Nederland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709033106/http://archief.nrc.nl/index.php/2005/Juni/27/Binnenland/2/Knusheid+van+de+Efteling+kan+alleen+in+Nederland |date=2010-07-09 }}, NRC Handelsblad, 27 juni 2005. [http://www.fiscaweb.nl/Efteling/NRC_270605_De_Nederlandse_knusheid_van_pretpark_de_Efteling.pdf Online versie]{{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724152050/http://www.fiscaweb.nl/Efteling/NRC_270605_De_Nederlandse_knusheid_van_pretpark_de_Efteling.pdf |date=2011-07-24 }}. About 16% of visitors live in areas such as Flanders (Belgium), Westphalia (Germany) and Southern England (UK).[http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1004/Economie/article/detail/101528/2006/09/11/Efteling-investeert-100-mln-in-rsquo-bedden-rsquo.dhtml Efteling investeert 100 mln in ’bedden’], Algemeen Dagblad, 11 September 2006.

A graph of the number of visitors of the Efteling during the period 1952–2018:

ImageSize = width:777 height:336

PlotArea = left:70 right:10 top:10 bottom:20

TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal

AlignBars = justify

Colors =

id:gray1 value:gray(0.9)

DateFormat = yyyy

Period = from:1952 till:2020

ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:5 start:1955

PlotData =

bar:6000000 color:gray1 width:1 #gridlijn ywaarde6_3

from:start till:end

bar:5000000 color:gray1 width:1 #gridlijn ywaarde5_3

from:start till:end

bar:4000000 color:gray1 #gridlijn ywaarde4_3

from:start till:end

bar:3000000 color:gray1 #gridlijn ywaarde3_3

from:start till:end

bar:2000000 color:gray1 #gridlijn ywaarde2_3

from:start till:end

bar:1000000 color:gray1 #gridlijn ywaarde1_3

from:start till:end

bar:0 color:gray1

berekening van xwaarde punt: 70+((jaartal-jaartalminimum)×10)
berekening van ywaarde punt: 20+(50×bezoekers)

LineData =

layer:front

points:(90,31)(100,40) color:blue width:2 #1952: 222.941 & #1953: 411.671

points:(100,40)(110,48) color:blue width:2 #1954: 561.433

points:(110,48)(120,55) color:blue width:2 #1955: 705.941

points:(120,55)(130,57) color:blue width:2 #1956: 737.170

points:(130,57)(140,53) color:blue width:2 #1957: 664.384

points:(140,53)(150,53) color:blue width:2 #1958: 663.639

points:(150,53)(160,57) color:blue width:2 #1959: 743.862

points:(160,57)(170,55) color:blue width:2 #1960: 710.032

points:(170,55)(180,63) color:blue width:2 #1961: 862.701

points:(180,63)(190,66) color:blue width:2 #1962: 914.876

points:(190,66)(200,63) color:blue width:2 #1963: 862.687

points:(200,63)(210,66) color:blue width:2 #1964: 925.073

points:(210,66)(220,63) color:blue width:2 #1965: 858.156

points:(220,63)(230,77) color:blue width:2 #1966: 1.145.184

points:(230,77)(240,76) color:blue width:2 #1967: 1.114.926

points:(240,76)(250,76) color:blue width:2 #1968: 1.121.923

points:(250,76)(260,74) color:blue width:2 #1969: 1.080.137

points:(260,74)(270,75) color:blue width:2 #1970: 1.108.857

points:(270,75)(280,83) color:blue width:2 #1971: 1.254.812

points:(280,83)(290,83) color:blue width:2 #1972: 1.264.953

points:(290,83)(300,81) color:blue width:2 #1973: 1.220.969

points:(300,81)(310,81) color:blue width:2 #1974: 1.230.889

points:(310,81)(320,82) color:blue width:2 #1975: 1.246.649

points:(320,82)(330,78) color:blue width:2 #1976: 1.163.974

points:(330,78)(340,77) color:blue width:2 #1977: 1.133.504

points:(340,77)(350,92) color:blue width:2 #1978: 1.449.078

points:(350,92)(360,86) color:blue width:2 #1979: 1.321.970

points:(360,86)(370,84) color:blue width:2 #1980: 1.287.440

points:(370,84)(380,103) color:blue width:2 #1981: 1.669.868

points:(380,103)(390,97) color:blue width:2 #1982: 1.536.479

points:(390,97)(400,119) color:blue width:2 #1983: 1.979.000

points:(400,119)(410,117) color:blue width:2 #1984: 1.942.000

points:(410,117)(420,128) color:blue width:2 #1985: 2.157.255

points:(420,128)(430,135) color:blue width:2 #1986: 2.304.768

points:(430,135)(440,131) color:blue width:2 #1987: 2.220.000

points:(440,131)(450,125) color:blue width:2 #1988: 2.100.000

points:(450,125)(460,123) color:blue width:2 #1989: 2.064.000

points:(460,123)(470,130) color:blue width:2 #1990: 2.200.000

points:(470,130)(480,145) color:blue width:2 #1991: 2.500.000

points:(480,145)(490,135) color:blue width:2 #1992: 2.300.000

points:(490,135)(500,156) color:blue width:2 #1993: 2.717.000

points:(500,156)(510,147) color:blue width:2 #1994: 2.530.000

points:(510,147)(520,153) color:blue width:2 #1995: 2.650.000

points:(520,153)(530,173) color:blue width:2 #1996: 3.051.311

points:(530,173)(540,175) color:blue width:2 #1997: 3.100.000

points:(540,175)(550,155) color:blue width:2 #1998: 2.700.000

points:(550,155)(560,170) color:blue width:2 #1999: 3.000.000

points:(560,170)(570,175) color:blue width:2 #2000: 3.100.000

points:(570,175)(580,178) color:blue width:2 #2001: 3.150.000

points:(580,178)(590,191) color:blue width:2 #2002: 3.417.000

points:(590,191)(600,182) color:blue width:2 #2003: 3.235.000

points:(600,182)(610,183) color:blue width:2 #2004: 3.253.000

points:(610,183)(620,179) color:blue width:2 #2005: 3.170.000

points:(620,179)(630,173) color:blue width:2 #2006: 3.050.000

points:(630,173)(640,182) color:blue width:2 #2007: 3.240.000

points:(640,182)(650,185) color:blue width:2 #2008: 3.290.000

points:(650,185)(660,219) color:blue width:2 #2009: 4.000.000

points:(660,219)(670,219) color:blue width:2 #2010: 4.000.000

points:(670,220)(680,226) color:blue width:2 #2011: 4.125.000

points:(680,226)(690,231) color:blue width:2 #2012: 4.230.000

points:(690,231)(700,227) color:blue width:2 #2013: 4.150.000

points:(700,227)(710,239) color:blue width:2 #2014: 4.400.000

points:(710,239)(720,254) color:blue width:2 #2015: 4.680.000

points:(720,254)(730,258) color:blue width:2 #2016: 4.760.000

points:(730,258)(740,279) color:blue width:2 #2017: 5.186.945

points:(740,279)(750,290) color:blue width:2 #2018: 5.400.000

= Ticket price =

A graph of the ticket price in euros of the Efteling during the period 1952-2014:

ImageSize = width:736 height:230

PlotArea = left:70 right:10 top:10 bottom:20

TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal

AlignBars = justify

Colors =

id:gray1 value:gray(0.9)

DateFormat = yyyy

Period = from:1952 till:2015

ScaleMajor = unit:year increment:5 start:1955

PlotData =

bar:40 color:gray1 width:1 #gridline ywaarde4_3

from:start till:end

bar:30 color:gray1 #gridline yvalue3_3

from:start till:end

bar:20 color:gray1 #gridline yvalue2_3

from:start till:end

bar:10 color:gray1 #gridline yvalue1_3

from:start till:end

bar:0 color:gray1

calculation of value x point: 70+((year minus minimumyear)×10)
calculation of value y point: ticket price in euro's

LineData =

layer:front

points:(90,22)(100,22) color:blue width:2 #1952: 0,36 & #1953: 0,36

points:(100,22)(110,22) color:blue width:2 #1954: 0,39

points:(110,22)(120,22) color:blue width:2 #1955: 0,41

points:(120,22)(130,23) color:blue width:2 #1956: 0,45

points:(130,23)(140,23) color:blue width:2 #1957: 0,45

points:(140,23)(150,23) color:blue width:2 #1958: 0,45

points:(150,23)(160,23) color:blue width:2 #1959: 0,45

points:(160,23)(170,23) color:blue width:2 #1960: 0,45

points:(170,23)(180,23) color:blue width:2 #1961: 0,45

points:(180,23)(190,23) color:blue width:2 #1962: 0,45

points:(190,23)(200,23) color:blue width:2 #1963: 0,45

points:(200,23)(210,23) color:blue width:2 #1964: 0,45

points:(210,23)(220,24) color:blue width:2 #1965: 0,68

points:(220,24)(230,25) color:blue width:2 #1966: 0,73

points:(230,25)(240,26) color:blue width:2 #1967: 0,91

points:(240,26)(250,26) color:blue width:2 #1968: 0,91

points:(250,26)(260,26) color:blue width:2 #1969: 0,91

points:(260,26)(270,27) color:blue width:2 #1970: 1,13

points:(270,27)(280,28) color:blue width:2 #1971: 1,36

points:(280,28)(290,28) color:blue width:2 #1972: 1,36

points:(290,28)(300,29) color:blue width:2 #1973: 1,59

points:(300,29)(310,30) color:blue width:2 #1974: 1,82

points:(310,30)(320,32) color:blue width:2 #1975: 2,27

points:(320,32)(330,35) color:blue width:2 #1976: 2,72

points:(330,35)(340,37) color:blue width:2 #1977: 3,18

points:(340,37)(350,38) color:blue width:2 #1978: 3,40

points:(350,38)(360,39) color:blue width:2 #1979: 3,63

points:(360,39)(370,40) color:blue width:2 #1980: 3,86

points:(370,40)(380,44) color:blue width:2 #1981: 4,54

points:(380,44)(390,46) color:blue width:2 #1982: 4,99

points:(390,46)(400,49) color:blue width:2 #1983: 5,67

points:(400,49)(410,52) color:blue width:2 #1984: 6,13

points:(410,52)(420,55) color:blue width:2 #1985: 6,81

points:(420,55)(430,58) color:blue width:2 #1986: 7,49

points:(430,58)(440,62) color:blue width:2 #1987: 8,17

points:(440,62)(450,64) color:blue width:2 #1988: 8,62

points:(450,64)(460,66) color:blue width:2 #1989: 9,08

points:(460,66)(470,69) color:blue width:2 #1990: 9,53

points:(470,69)(480,72) color:blue width:2 #1991: 10,21

points:(480,72)(490,78) color:blue width:2 #1992: 11,34

points:(490,78)(500,85) color:blue width:2 #1993: 12,71

points:(500,85)(510,89) color:blue width:2 #1994: 13,61

points:(510,89)(520,91) color:blue width:2 #1995: 14,70

points:(520,91)(530,95) color:blue width:2 #1996: 14,75

points:(530,95)(540,100) color:blue width:2 #1997: 15,88

points:(540,100)(550,100) color:blue width:2 #1998: 15,88

points:(550,100)(560,106) color:blue width:2 #1999: 17,02

points:(560,106)(570,109) color:blue width:2 #2000: 17,70

points:(570,109)(580,116) color:blue width:2 #2001: 19,06

points:(580,116)(590,126) color:blue width:2 #2002: 21

points:(590,126)(600,131) color:blue width:2 #2003: 22

points:(600,131)(610,136) color:blue width:2 #2004: 23

points:(610,136)(620,141) color:blue width:2 #2005: 24

points:(620,141)(630,146) color:blue width:2 #2006: 25

points:(630,146)(640,151) color:blue width:2 #2007: 26

points:(640,151)(650,156) color:blue width:2 #2008: 27

points:(650,156)(660,161) color:blue width:2 #2009: 28

points:(660,161)(670,166) color:blue width:2 #2010: 29

points:(670,166)(680,181) color:blue width:2 #2011: 32

points:(680,181)(690,186) color:blue width:2 #2012: 33

points:(690,186)(700,193) color:blue width:2 #2013: 34,50

points:(700,193)(710,196) color:blue width:2 #2014: 35,00

points:(710,196)(720,201) color:blue width:2 #2014: 36,00

From 1952 to 2002, the ticket price was set in Dutch guilders. These prices were converted to euros using a conversion factor of 0.45378. In 1952, the ticket price was 0.80 Dutch guilders (0.36 euro). From 1956 to 1965, the ticket price was 1 Dutch guilder. The price had risen to 42 Dutch guilders by 2001 and was converted to 21 euros in 2002, during the switch to the euro in the Netherlands. {{As of|2019|5|alt=In May 2019}} tickets cost 42.00 euros or 40.00 euros by "low season". There are also {{langx|nl|"luxe"|label=none|lit=de luxe}} tickets for 68.00 euros that include lunch, dinner and free parking among other things. Tickets ordered online are sold with a discount of 2 euros. Admission is free for children under 4.See: https://www.efteling.com/en/park/tickets

= Investments =

On December 11, 2008, theme park officials announced that they would spend EUR40 million during 2009–2012 on three large construction projects: a convention centre accommodating 1500 visitors (de Burcht), an arena from the Middle Ages for 750 show spectators (Raveleijn), and a redesign for snack bar "De Likkebaerd" to turn it into a station for the park's steam train. They also said they did not expect to suffer from the 2008 financial crisis.{{cite news | title=De Efteling is niet bang voor recessie|last=van Dongen |first=Annemieke| date=December 12, 2008| work=De Pers |pages=7| language=nl}} In 2009, the Efteling announced that the Burcht has been cancelled.{{cite web| title = Sprookjesboerderij en Burcht van de baan| website = Eftelist.nl| language = nl| date = 2009-07-19 | url=http://www.eftelist.nl/mail/5840}}

The park announced in 2015 that they had the ambition to welcome 7 million guests by 2030. For this they drew up a zoning plan in the period from 2015 to 2018 called 'Bestemmingsplan Wereld van de Efteling 2030'. The park will at first expand to the east as far as the road De Horst and the highway N261. After the eastern expansion, the park will expand in a western direction on the site where parking spaces are currently located. In 2018, the zoning plan was unanimously adopted within the municipality of Loon op Zand, after which three objections were submitted to the Raad van State. Two objections were investigated by the council and in the meantime the council decided that De Efteling was not allowed to start implementing the plan. With an adjustment on a number of points, the council approved the zoning plan in June 2021.{{Cite web|title=Bestemmingsplan Wereld van de Efteling 2030|url=https://www.efteling.com/nl/pers/bestemmingsplan-2030/|access-date=2022-01-25|website=Bestemmingsplan Wereld van de Efteling 2030|language=nl}}{{Cite web|last=State|first=Raad van|title=Bestemmingsplan voor uitbreiding attractiepark Efteling is nu definitief|url=https://www.raadvanstate.nl/@125603/bestemmingsplan-uitbreiding-efteling/|access-date=2022-01-25|website=Raad van State|language=nl}} Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the multiple closures of the park, the park had to review its investments. It decided to postpone the expansion towards the east side for a few years and to focus on expansions within the existing park boundaries. On January 24, 2022, the company announced that it would invest €75 million in the construction of a new hotel within the park on the square behind the entrance and in an attraction that will replace Spookslot.{{Cite web|last=van Beers|first=Merel|date=2022-01-24|title=Efteling bouwt stug verder, attractie en hotel voor 75 miljoen: waar doen ze het van?|url=https://www.bd.nl/brabant/efteling-bouwt-stug-verder-attractie-en-hotel-voor-75-miljoen-waar-doen-ze-het-van~ad0e02cf/|access-date=2022-01-25|website=Brabants Dagblad}}